Underrepresentation of Girls in Higher Level Math and
Science Courses
Girls' achievement in mathematics and science is generally equal to boys' achievement during the elementary grades but tends to fall behind during the years in middle school or junior high. By the time they reach high school, girls tend to be less confident in their math and science ability and take fewer advanced courses. Schwartz and Hanson (1992) note that "the decline of female achievement is the result of a strong pattern of socialization to mathematics success or failure rather than to gender differences in innate ability."
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